Entertainment scene yields charmers and bummers

GIL. Smashing lineup of reworked ballads.

The recording scene has tantalizing tunes to help you beat the stultifying summer heat: Nikki Gil delivers soothing OPM revivals in her 12-track album, “Love Revisited”—a refreshing musical diversion that shows off one of show biz’s silkiest sets of pipes.

Arranger Jimmy Antiporda helps Gil shake off some of the collection’s saccharine excesses with the frisky vibe he gives to Jam Morales’ “A Smile In Your Heart.”

Other than the songstress’ moving rendition of Soc Villanueva’s “Babalikan Mo Rin Ako,” Nikki serves up a smashing lineup of reworked ballads, the best of which are Ric Segreto’s “Loving You,” Tito Mina’s “Both in Love,” Passage’s “You Won’t See Me Crying” and the Apo’s “When I Met You.”

If you’re partial to an edgier and deliciously grungier sound, Kontra has a satisfying surprise for you—so, grab a copy of “Naghihintay Sa ‘Yo,” the catchy debut single from the new kids on the rock-music block.

The exciting quartet is composed of Wolfgang regulars, bassist Mon Legaspi, guitarist Manuel Legarda, drummer Francis Aquino, and Monks’hood vocalist, Jeyvi Castillo.

We first heard a rough cut of the single last January, and instantly liked it for its irrepressible energy, vibrant, radio-ready riffs and boundless optimism.

We predicted a rosy future for the group, which is in the process of recording its six-track EP. So, we weren’t surprised when, last week, “Naghihintay” lodged its second week at No. 1 on Radio Republic!

Kanye’s comeuppance

On the other hand, the TV scene hasn’t been as satisfying: At the Billboard Music Awards early this week, the irrepressible Kanye West finally got his comeuppance when he delivered an underwhelming curtain-closer more notable for its smoke-and-fire-filled and bleep-worthy moments than the performer’s vaunted greatness.

If the “entitled” West thinks that whining about getting “grossly overcensored” is making him look less bratty, he’s got another think coming. We needn’t ask Beck and Taylor Swift what they thought of Kanye’s performance—because the resounding boos that greeted it were too loud to ignore!

For its part, “Your Face Sounds Familiar” has fallen victim to the law of diminishing returns. These days, its contestants look more fiendishly freaky than viewer-friendly, with judges spewing feedback that’s neither here nor there—and overt niceness that could lead to sugar-induced viewer stupor.

They should take their cue from guest juror Vice Ganda, who knows how to say something unpleasant but crucial without sounding offensive. Besides, if you’re worried about hurting contestants’ feelings, then judging isn’t for you!